Police Seek 2 Juvenile Bandits In Connection With Strong-Arm Robbery At Lake Elsinore Mini Mart

Police say a strong-arm robbery Sunday at the Lake Elsinore ampm mini mart on Lakeshore Drive involved three male suspects, but only one was caught.

Now law enforcement is asking for the public’s help in finding the other two who are described as juveniles.

The alleged incident began at 5:18 p.m. Sunday when deputies were dispatched to the ampm store located at 16851 Lakeshore Drive in reference to a report of a strong-arm robbery.

“According to the information obtained from the clerk, three male subjects attempted to leave the store without paying for various consumer goods concealed on their persons. When confronted, a physical altercation ensued between the store clerk and one of the suspects,” Sgt. Ken Chaffin of the Lake Elsinore Police Department reported.

All three suspects fled the scene, the sergeant explained, noting that the store clerk was not injured.

Moments after the alleged incident, deputies located and detained a man matching the description of one of the suspects.

Tommie Lee Nelson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, was not only identified as one of the bandits, he was also fingered as the man responsible for assaulting the store clerk, according to Chaffin’s report.

Nelson was later booked at the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley.

“The two outstanding suspects were described only as Hispanic male juveniles with short hair. They were last seen fleeing the area on foot. The investigation is ongoing,” Chaffin said.

Anyone with additional leads regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Michael Callahan at the Lake Elsinore Police Department at (951) 245-3300, or after hours and weekends by calling (951) 776-1099.

During Nelson’s detainment, a portion of the stolen property was recovered and returned to the victim, Chaffin said.